Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for protecting a reciprocating polish rod from suffering circumferential scoring when it is rotated by a rod-rotator while misaligned and in contact with the carrier bar of a pump jack. A cylindrical sleeve is inserted through the bore of the carrier bar and any additional stacked components supported thereon. An upset at the top of the sleeve retains it within the bore of the carrier bar and any stacked components. The bottom end of the sleeve extends substantially to the bottom of the carrier bar. The polish rod is installed through the bore in the sleeve and can slide and rotate therein. The polish rod is suspended from the carrier structure with a rod clamp. The sleeve guides the polish rod through the carrier structure without permitting accidental contact of the polish rod and the carrier structure and thereby prevents circumferential scoring of the polish rod when the rod is rotated by the rod-rotator.